Christians, Why Do You Think Atheists/People of Other Faiths Are So Hostile to You?

Question

Perhaps it has something to do with preaching a paradoxical message of love and redemption in conjunction with warnings of eternal torment? Or maybe because of the widely ignored admonition of Christ against Judging?

Feel free to use these two ideas as a template or framework for your own thoughts. . .in case you needed the help. :-)

Atheists, secularists and subscribers to others faiths are welcome to participate, but I'm mainly interested in what CHRISTIANS think.

Answer 1

I don't think its the religion, its all about people. If you come off as hostile towards someone, chances are they will react in kind. Whether you're Christian, Jew, Muslim, Atheist or anything else, its always about how you treat others. Gotta give respect in order to receive it.

Answer 2

try you last ** email, just sent,, see if that works.

Answer 3

1) The notion of 'repetitive' repentance is inexorably coupled with sincerity. Unlike what many Catholics believe, one cannot just confess their sins, receive absolution (an iffy concept at best as far as the Bible is concerned) and freely go about committing another set. I'm a Christian universalist, but I understand that the overwhelming majority of Christendom believes that deliberately engaging in such a practice imperils one's soul.

But you're right, though, in that anyone outside the metaphorical 'fish bowl' of Christianity is bound to have trouble with some of our practices. So much so as to be hostile? I dunno. That's a bit of a stretch.

2) Remind me. On the Internet I have developed a mighty short memory. . .on purpose. :-)

Edit: now that I think about it, I vaguely remember you sending me a reference to a poll without a link.

Answer 4

Ok, it's an open posted reply about the Boston verdict and take a look at the video, I thought you might find it interesting...

Answer 5

I would have been (and still am), but I'd need a permalink. I'm not fishing through that monster without one. Just call me a slacker. :-)

Answer 6

http://www.mrctv.org/embed/12...

Answer 7

404 :-(

(Note: I may be getting that result because I have cookies turned off by default. If you get it on your ***, that's the reason. Got one to YouTube?)

Answer 8

it was forwarded to me

Answer 9

What was the *****? Maybe I can find it that way.

Answer 10

Did. I sent a reply.

Answer 11

It might have something to do with the fact that they 'preach' one thing and do another.
Agreed. As I've pointed out below, the current crop of human beings occupying this planet seems to have lost all capacity for honest self examination (introspection), but nowhere is this absence more evident than in those who profess Christian love, sacrifice and charity. Either walk in the footsteps of Christ. . .or shut the **** up. (Yes, that goes for me, too. :-\)

Different factions, doctrines, dogmas, customs, practices, beliefs, denominations, none-denominations, and some who are only "Christians" CE (Christmas and Easter) observant's.
I don't see sectarianism as being that big of a bug up the 'normal' atheist's ****. They usually zero in on the antithetical message of a loving, almighty *** v. eternal ******** or on the aforementioned hypocrisy.

So there is no standard definition of actions that demonstrates what a Christian is or is not.
Actually, there is: all Christians agree that one who calls him/herself a Christian must subscribe to two essential precepts; belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of ***/Savior and public confession of same. After that come the more sectarian requirements such as baptism, confession of sin, repentance, etc.

In any case, a lack of perceived standards ...

It might have something to do with the fact that they 'preach' one thing and do another.

Agreed. As I've pointed out below, the current crop of human beings occupying this planet seems to have lost all capacity for honest self examination (introspection), but nowhere is this absence more evident than in those who profess Christian love, sacrifice and charity. Either walk in the footsteps of Christ. . .or shut the **** up. (Yes, that goes for me, too. :-\)

Different factions, doctrines, dogmas, customs, practices, beliefs, denominations, none-denominations, and some who are only "Christians" CE (Christmas and Easter) observant's.

I don't see sectarianism as being that big of a bug up the 'normal' atheist's ****. They usually zero in on the antithetical message of a loving, almighty *** v. eternal ******** or on the aforementioned hypocrisy.

So there is no standard definition of actions that demonstrates what a Christian is or is not.

Actually, there is: all Christians agree that one who calls him/herself a Christian must subscribe to two essential precepts; belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of ***/Savior and public confession of same. After that come the more sectarian requirements such as baptism, confession of sin, repentance, etc.

In any case, a lack of perceived standards is ****** an excuse or justification for hostility.

They claim that it is, but the facts and practices tell a different story.

You can test this hypothesis yourself. Ask any (or all) Christian(s) you know what is required to be a Christian. You could also put up a poll if you were genuinely curious. :-)

(more)

Answer 12

I'll look for it

Answer 13

I've lost it too

Answer 14

******, Jim! :-)

Answer 15

Author Boston bombing sentenced to death! Yes or No?
Yes
Opinion: http://www.mrctv.org/embed/12...

see if this works

Answer 16

Didn't work. Can you pull it up?

(I meant the ***** of the video, BTW.)

Answer 17

I found another link, try this http://www.mrctv.org/embed/12...

Answer 18

it works

Answer 19

Yep. Finally latched it. Downloading now. Prolly won't watch it until I get up, though. It's just about bedtime. :-)

Answer 20

Bottom line, 'the facts and practices tell a different story" It might also have something to do with that fact that there is no official standard version of the bible, the basis of which Christians will quote to do their bottom line of what Christianity is all about and that is that Jesus is the on e and only propitiator for their sins. And any and everything goes, just go back, repent and ask for forgiveness, and this is and can be repetitive. the fact and practices. Perhaps there are some who have difficulty understanding this.

As an aside, by, the by, did you get my email?

Answer 21

It might have something to do with the fact that they 'preach' one thing and do another. Christians are whatever that they choose that they are. Different factions, doctrines, dogmas, customs, practices, beliefs, denominations, none-denominations, and some who are only "Christians" CE (Christmas and Easter) observant's. So there is no standard definition of actions that demonstrates what a Christian is or is not. They claim that it is, but the facts and practices tell a different story.

Answer 22

Atheist here who's not hostile.

Possibly your *********** that we are all hostile is what creates the hostility?

Answer 23

Great response! Well done, grasshoppa! :-)

Answer 24

I had to start from the presumption that X many Christians feel such hostility. And where did I get the idea that they might? From several of the usual suspects who say it exists. The idea wasn't hatched out of nothing, IOW. I modeled a poll question on a general perception held by 'many' Christians as represented or explained by pundits, clergy and some Christians themselves. How many is obviously not quantifiable unless one asks. I could have simply asked "Christians, do you feel hostility from Atheists, etc.," but that wouldn't have gotten at the 'meat' of the information I sought. :-)

But your point is a good one nevertheless. From whence does the hostility come--if it exists as perceived?

Answer 25

I do not notice so much hostility to me except the obvious death threats and passages in the Koran. I am curious about the the need of atheists to argue their belief system so much.

Answer 26

They would contend that they have no such need. They 'argue' only in the context of denying the 'claims (read: statements of faith)' of believers.

Answer 27

In many of my discussions, it seems to be the "Christians" who are angry and hostile, and intolerant of other faiths and political viewpoints existing in this nation. I seem to experience a lot of categorizing also.

Answer 28

I will add that I see a lot of hostility from Atheists also. I actually see a fine line between both viewpoints. It seems to be all about absolutism from both schools of thought.

Answer 29

As a former Christian I think I've got room to comment. This is the very thing that poisoned Christianity for me - undeserved sense of righteousness on the part of some.

However, I think you've got it wrong on the judging thing. There is a difference between judging and condemning. We all pass judgement every day, it's what keeps everyone, the religious included, from stepping into strange people's vans with tinted windows on the promise of candy. Condemnation on the other had is the province of the Christian ***, also the admonition to police your own faults first before pointing out your neighbors faults. That's what all that mote and beam stuff is about. It doesn't mean you shouldn't recognize right and wrong for what it is.

Just a hint to Christians. If you really care about people, don't back them into a corner and start shaking your fists at them - they aren't likely to be receptive to your message of redemption. And if you forever poison the well for someone who is searching for the truth, you too are responsible (if you actually believe) for the loss of their soul.

Answer 30

Its turned on its head, but I'll bite.
In general, the atheists that are hostile, I believe, have the most to lose if they are wrong.
As for the box you offer I stay inside, Transquesta, I reject your premise.
Consider this: if I know something that is beneficial to others, but can't share it in a way that no person could object to, should I not share it?
Personally, I'll give it a whirl anyway.

Answer 31

*** told us we would be opposed. John 15:18 "If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you" and 1Peter 4:14"If you are reviledfor the name of Christ, you are blessed, becaue the Spirit of glory and of *** rests on you". But I remain ever hopeful - 1Peter 4:18 "And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the ******* man and the sinner?"

Answer 32

LOL!!!!...

Answer 33

like a bottle of Dr Pepper, we so "misunderstood".........but if u dare to try it ?????????............u gonna find something good !!!!!

Answer 34

My personal opinion I have not met any other faith,( I am Christian) that has been hostile towards me.But then again I don't go out of my way to **** anyone off.I feel that people should be able to discuss with what they believe in, without the hostility towards each other.But I must admit a lot of people do go overboard and that is why you get all faiths getting hostile towards each other..We are human and very selfish people,it's a shame but true.

Answer 35

Well being the furthest thing possible from any religious beliefs ..I would probably say they need new material .. (((YAWwwwwN )))

Answer 36

...."You catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar"...

Answer 37

I hear that often. I just want to meet the guy who actually caught a fly with vinegar.

Answer 38

You just met him. :-)

Last year we were overrun with fruit flies. They're quite common in agricultural areas. Turns out the best way to catch, trap and eliminate them is with. . .you guessed it. . .apple cider vinegar.

Answer 39

Well, now that is very interesting. It also begs the question whether the ol' cliche is actually a contradiction to fool the city-folk, or maybe just information lost to posterity.

Answer 40

I suppose the axiom prolly refers only to common houseflies--which generally aren't attracted by vinegar as much as by honey. :-)

Answer 41

Ok, just thought it was something you might like to watch. have a good one.